Toronto holiday comedy picks

Shopping, parties, more shopping, travel, shopping again… don’t you want the world to just STOP for a few minutes? If you’re lucky enough to steal a few hours amid the hustle and bustle of the non-stop holiday craziness, here are five hot comedy tickets in Toronto to bring the joy back into your world.

Arrogant Worms – Friday, Dec. 14
Christmas is almost here – and that’s the title of just one of the ditties you can expect to hear from the Canadian musical comedy mainstays the Arrogant Worms. The trio presents their smart-silly hybrid of festive tunes (and likely a few all-season classics) at Hugh’s Room, 8 p.m., $27.50.

Awkward – Friday, Dec. 14
Christmas has proven to be fodder for some of life’s most uncomfortable interactions, and the monthly storytelling show celebrating those very moments will surely make your own family seem normal. Comedy Bar, 8 p.m., $8.

John Wing – Thursday, Dec. 20
Long lost Canuck John Wing pries himself from the sunny grips of Los Angeles to make a rare Toronto headlining appearance, bringing with him his smartly sardonic style just in time to remedy your saccharine holiday overdose. Comedy Bar, 8 p.m., $20. (Above illustration by Kurt Firla.)

It’s A Wonderful Toronto: The Rob Ford Holiday Spectacular! – Until Fri., Dec. 22
Satire is comin’ to town, as National Theatre of the World presents a festive celebration of our jolly mayor, complete with fresh rewrites to reflect the consequences of his naughty ways. Theatre Passe Muraille Backspace, various times, $15-$30.

Big Jay Oakerson – Friday, Dec. 22
Making his return after a series of shows at JFL42, Oakerson relays hilariously jaw-dropping tales to an intimate 420-friendly audience. Underground Comedy Club at Clandestiny, 9 p.m., $20.

And if you can’t find room in your schedule for any of these shows? Here’s an early Christmas present for you: just announced, the one and only Janeane Garofalo will play Comedy Bar March 22 & 23, 2013.

About the Author

Sharilyn Johnson is the author of the book Bears & Balls: The Colbert Report A-Z. Called "one of the city’s most discriminating comedy critics” by NOW Magazine, Sharilyn has been covering comedy for longer than she cares to admit. She served as the comedy reporter for Winnipeg's Uptown Magazine for five years, and was the host of the radio show Laugh Tracks for three seasons. Her work has also appeared in the Toronto Star, the Winnipeg Free Press, The Apiary, and on CBC Radio's national comedy programs LOL and Definitely Not the Opera.